The University of New Mexico Lobos return from an off to take on UNLV at University Stadium in the Lobos’ homecoming game.
The Lobos’ homecoming contest is set for 6 p.m. Saturday night.
New Mexico is 3-11 all-time in MW openers, its last win coming in 2005.
Bye weeks haven’t been good in recent years to the Lobos (1-2), who have lost their last four games after bye weeks.
UNM running back Kasey Carrier enters Saturday’s game against the Rebels as the nation’s 12th-ranked rusher and the Mountain West leader. The senior from Pearland, Texas, is averaging 122.3 yards per game on the ground.
Also for UNM, sophomore kick returner Carlos Wiggins ranks seventh nationally with an average of 35.2 yards per attempt. Senior punter Ben Skaer is No. 16 in the country with an average of 44.7 yards per punt.
The Rebels are 2-2 on the season, having won two straight for the first time in five years.
UNLV quarterback Caleb Herring has been a big catalyst in those wins. His rating of 167.56 would be leading the MW if he had enough pass attempts.
Herring’s wide receiver Devante Davis is No. 7 in receiving yards per game at 77.2.
The UNLV defense is 10th in the nation in pass defense, allowing just 146.5 yards per game.
It is third in the MW in total defense at 378.5 allowed per game.